Beard: Some Questions

[NoNothingGuy]

I am posting this in Men's Clothing because I want to ask some questions related to professionalism and how a beard can affect someone's first impression.

I am a beard man. I do not have one at the moment and, frankly, have never really had one for any substantial amount of time, but I love my beard when I have the balls to grow it out. From WAYWRN threads, I know that many of you have facial hair. How does this affect your professional life? Do you ever get asked to shave? Do you feel that it has inhibited you in any way?

I am a business owner so I don't have to worry about how I am viewed by "superiors," but I obviously want my employees and clients to see me as professional.

Can I just get some of your opinions on beards? Full beards, not chin straps or goatees, etc.

 

[SpooPoker]

IB TTO, NYR and sartorialism

 

[MBreinin]

I had a beard, then a goatee for years. I shaved it off and look 10 years younger as a result. Also, people frequently stated that I looked evil with the goatee...which is not necessarily a bad thing.

Mike

 

[patrickBOOTH]

Fun Fact: Corzine was the only US senator with a beard.

 

[francisco_bt]

If you're the boss (), and the industry you work in is not ultra-conservative, you can get away with a full beard. Just keep it neat and trimmed, and please shave the neck area.

 

[alliswell]

Facial hair does not make you look more professional (or conservative, or conformist, if you will). It is not the only determinant of this, but it is significant. No one who does not plan to kiss you will ask you to shave, but people will judge you based on facial hair. I am not saying that this is right, appropriate, mature or fair; I am saying it will happen, and it is in your control to change it if you do not like it, by shaving.

 

[pvrhye]

Keep it neat and I don't see a problem. Mine puts a few years on me which gives me the leg up here in Korea (I figure anyway).

 

[Cant kill da Rooster]

I've had one for about two years in a professional (although business casual) environment. I don't think it makes you look less or more professional and I see it more and more. I keep it very neat, clean it up regularly that means shaving the neck and cheeks every couple of days. Use a trimmer at least once a week. I have seen people let it go and honestly look homeless. (no offence to the homeless on this forum).

 

[acridsheep]

Originally Posted by Cant kill da Rooster

I've had one for about two years in a professional (although business casual) environment. I don't think it makes you look less or more professional and I see it more and more. I keep it very neat, clean it up regularly that means shaving the neck and cheeks every couple of days. Use a trimmer at least once a week. I have seen people let it go and honestly look homeless. (no offence to the homless on this forum).

 

[w.o.e.is.me.]

Originally Posted by Cant kill da Rooster

(no offence to the homless on this forum).

 

[slappy]

As a 1L I was worried that firms would care about my beard, but so far they don't seem to care. I'll say that most of the firms I'm interviewing with are based out of California though. I keep it on the neck partially also, as I hate the chin strap look. That said I wear Edward Greens, have a sharply tailored suit, and know how to pair ties properly. I don't look like the other kid here who also crawled out of the gutters of LA to attend law school on the East Coast.

 

[Metlin]

...

 

[Mudhiker]

Since I've started being involved with sales and customer service I quit with the facial hair. Even took off the nifty side-burns. When I was strictly in production I could look how I wanted, but now my appearance could make or break a sale. My beard is always a bit patchy though. If it was strong and full I might be able to pull it off better.

 

[Svenn]

So long as you shave the neck and cheeks, I think it's fine. I always keep some lengthy stubble on- without it my chin doesn't have much definition and I think I look too young. I suppose if I had a very serious meeting or jury trial, I might shave it all off. You should have your head hair neatly trimmed and short so you don't end up looking messy.

 

[B Hamilton]

It's a maintenance thing. I've never let my facial hair go truly crazy (waiting until I take a nice, long holiday), but I've noticed that the line between distinguished and wild depends on the hair on your neck. If you keep that in check, I don't see a problem.